Voiding and bowel elimination for the client
confined to bed require a bedpan and/or a urinal. The bedridden client may have
altered elimination patterns. Reduced mobility, pain, privacy issues, the need
for assistance, delays in getting assistance when needed, and the fear of
interruption can all alter normal elimination patterns. Fear of creating
embarrassing noises, sights, or odors may compel the client to reduce fluid
intake or avoid the urge to eliminate while in the hospital. Constipation,
embarrassment, incontinence, and discomfort can result. Sensitivity, proper
technique, and client education by the nurse support the client on bedrest.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED :

• Bedpan (regular or fracture) or urinal

• Disposable gloves

• Bedpan cover

• Toilet paper

• Washcloth and towel

ACTION

Positioning a Bedpan

1. Close curtain
or door.

2. Wash hands;
apply gloves.

3. Lower head of
bed so client is in supine position.

4. Elevate bed.

5. Assist client
to side-lying position using side rail for support.

6. Warm bedpan
under warm water if needed; powder if necessary .

7. Place bedpan
under buttocks. Place a fracture pan with the lower end near the client’s lower
back region. Place large bedpans with the opening near the client’s thighs.

8. While holding
the bedpan with one hand, help the client roll onto the back, while pushing
against the bedpan (toward the center of the bed) to hold it in place.

9. Alternate:
Help the client raise the hips using the overbed
trapeze, and slide the pan in place.

Alternate: If the client is unable to turn or raise
hips, use a fracture pan instead of a bedpan. With a fracture pan, the flat
side is placed towardthe client’s head
.

10. Check
placement of bedpan by looking between client’s legs.

11. If indicated,
elevate head of bed to 45° angle or higher for comfort.

12. Place call
light within reach of client; place side rails in upright position, lower bed,
and provide privacy.

13. Remove
gloves; wash hands.

Positioning a Urinal

14. Repeat
Actions 1 and 2.

15. Lift the
covers and place the urinal so the client may grasp the handle and position it.
Ifthe client cannot do this, you must
position the urinal and place the penis into the opening.

16. Remove
gloves; wash hands.

Removing a Bedpan

17. Wash hands;
apply gloves.

18. Gather toilet
paper and washing supplies.

19. Lower head of
bed to supine position.

20. While holding
bedpan with one hand, roll client to side and remove the pan, being careful not
to pull or shear skin sticking to the pan and being careful not to spill
contents

21. Assist with
cleaning or wiping; always wipe with a front to back motion.

22. Empty bedpan
(measure urine output if ordered), clean bedpan, and store it in proper place;
if bedpan is to be emptied outside client’s room, cover it during transport.

23. Remove soiled
gloves.Wash hands.

24. Allow client
to wash hands.

25. Place call
light within reach; recheck that side rails are in the upright position.

26. Wash hands.

Removing a Urinal

27. Wash hands
and apply gloves.

28. Empty the
urinal, measuring urine output if ordered, rinse the urinal and replace it
within the client’s reach.

29. Remove soiled
gloves.Wash hands.

30. Allow client
to wash hands.

31. Place call
light within reach; recheck that side rails are in the upright position.